This classic Creamy Chicken Delight with Peppers and Mushrooms brings comfort food to your table in just 25 minutes. Tender chicken is nestled in a rich, velvety sauce with colorful vegetables, creating a satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Cooked rice or pasta for serving
Instructions
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the mushrooms and bell pepper, sautéing for about 5 minutes until they are tender.
- Stir in the flour, garlic powder, and onion powder, cooking for an additional minute to create a roux.
- Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and becomes creamy, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add the shredded chicken and frozen peas to the skillet, mixing well to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Let the mixture simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Remove from heat and stir in the fresh parsley.
- Serve the Chicken a la King over cooked rice or pasta for a hearty meal.
Variations
- Seafood King: Replace the chicken with cooked shrimp or crab meat for an elegant seafood twist that’s perfect for special occasions.
- Vegetarian Delight: Substitute the chicken with extra mushrooms, diced tofu, or chickpeas, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a plant-based version.
- Herb-Crusted Version: Add fresh thyme, rosemary, or tarragon to the sauce, and top with buttered breadcrumbs before serving for added texture and flavor.
Cooking Notes
- Roux Technique: Cook the flour mixture for a full minute to eliminate the raw flour taste, but don’t let it brown too much or it will affect the creamy white color of your sauce.
- Sauce Consistency: If your sauce becomes too thick, gradually whisk in additional chicken broth or milk until you reach the desired consistency. If too thin, simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes.
- Temperature Control: Keep the heat at medium to prevent the milk from curdling, and stir constantly when adding liquids to ensure a smooth, lump-free sauce.
Serving Suggestions
- Classic Comfort: Serve over fluffy white rice or buttered egg noodles with a side of steamed green beans or roasted asparagus for a complete meal.
- Elegant Presentation: Spoon into puff pastry shells or over toasted English muffin halves for a more refined brunch or dinner presentation.
- Hearty Family Style: Serve alongside warm dinner rolls and a crisp garden salad with vinaigrette to balance the richness of the creamy sauce.
Tips
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This dish reheats beautifully, so make a double batch and store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days for quick weeknight meals.
- Chicken Prep: Use a rotisserie chicken from the store to save time, or cook chicken breasts in advance and keep them on hand for quick meal preparation.
- Flavor Boost: Add a splash of dry sherry or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving to brighten the flavors and add depth to the creamy sauce.
Prep Time:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Protein: 28g
- Sodium: 580mg
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare Chicken a la King up to 2 days in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator and gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth if needed to restore the creamy consistency.
- What’s the best way to prevent the sauce from becoming lumpy? The key is to whisk constantly while gradually adding the liquids and to ensure your roux (butter and flour mixture) is smooth before adding the broth and milk. If lumps do form, strain the sauce or use an immersion blender to smooth it out.
- Can I freeze Chicken a la King? While possible, cream-based sauces don’t freeze exceptionally well as they may separate when thawed. If you must freeze it, use within 2 months and reheat slowly while whisking to help recombine the sauce.
- What can I substitute for the milk to make it lighter? You can use low-fat milk, unsweetened almond milk, or even half chicken broth and half milk to reduce calories while maintaining creaminess. For an even lighter version, try using Greek yogurt stirred in at the end.
Conclusion
This Creamy Chicken Delight with Peppers and Mushrooms proves that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. In just 25 minutes, you’ll have a rich, satisfying meal that brings the whole family to the table. The versatile recipe adapts easily to your preferences and ingredients on hand, making it a reliable go-to for busy weeknights or leisurely weekend dinners. Whether served over rice, pasta, or in pastry shells, this timeless dish delivers warmth and flavor in every bite.
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Chicken a la King
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This classic Creamy Chicken Delight with Peppers and Mushrooms brings comfort food to your table in just 25 minutes. Tender chicken is nestled in a rich, velvety sauce with colorful vegetables, creating a satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Cooked rice or pasta for serving
Instructions
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the mushrooms and bell pepper, sautéing for about 5 minutes until they are tender.
- Stir in the flour, garlic powder, and onion powder, cooking for an additional minute to create a roux.
- Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and becomes creamy, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add the shredded chicken and frozen peas to the skillet, mixing well to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Let the mixture simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Remove from heat and stir in the fresh parsley.
- Serve the Chicken a la King over cooked rice or pasta for a hearty meal.
Notes
For extra richness, substitute half-and-half for the milk. You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience, or leftover roasted chicken works perfectly too. Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots or celery for additional texture and nutrition.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (about 1 cup)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: chicken a la king, creamy chicken, comfort food, easy dinner, skillet meal